Assalamu alaikum - dealing with islamophobia as a sister in hijab

Assalamu alaikum. I recently started wearing the hijab and went home for the holidays. I don’t usually go out much for shopping, but I went to the supermarket to pick up a few things. I noticed some employees being rude and not helping me when I asked where items were, and other staff gave me strange looks. I used to shop there before I wore hijab and never had this kind of treatment. I live in an area where Muslims are a minority and I seldom see sisters in hijab here. In the last couple of years anti-Muslim sentiment seems to have risen, and as Muslim women our hijab makes our faith visible and sometimes puts us in the spotlight for people with prejudice, while Muslim brothers can blend in more easily. What are some practical ways I can handle this and keep myself safe? A few suggestions that might help (from one sister to another): - Stay calm and confident: a calm voice and steady demeanor can defuse some awkwardness. If you feel safe, a polite question or comment can sometimes expose rudeness for what it is. - Bring a friend or family member: going with someone else can make you feel safer and reduce chances of being singled out. - Plan trips at quieter times: if possible, shop when the store is less busy so you get more help and less attention. - Ask to speak to a manager if service is poor: request assistance professionally; if you get repeatedly ignored, a manager might address staff behavior. - Use alternatives when needed: consider shopping at places where staff are more respectful or use delivery services if that’s available and affordable. - Keep your phone ready and know local support numbers: if you ever feel threatened, call someone you trust or local authorities. It helps to have quick access to contacts. - Connect with the local Muslim community: even in minority areas there may be sisters or community groups who can share safe spaces and practical tips. - Make dua and seek comfort in faith: ask Allah for patience, protection, and guidance. Remember many trials are tests, and turning to dua helps. I hope these ideas help. May Allah make it easy for you and keep you safe. If you want, tell me more about where you live or what happened exactly and I can offer more specific tips.